Blue Flag 2026

Old Head

Co. Mayo, Ireland

Water qualityExcellent EPA

Blue Flag 2026Yes

Green CoastNo

DogsSeasonal

Always verify the car-park location on arrival. Road and access conditions may change.

About Old Head

Old Head is a sheltered Blue Flag beach near Louisburgh on Clew Bay, a sandy strand backed by woodland with views to Clare Island and Croagh Patrick. Lifeguarded in summer with safe, gently shelving water and good accessible facilities, it is a popular family beach. The sheltered bay, the woods behind and the mountain-and-island views make it one of south Mayo's loveliest spots for a swim.

Get directions to the car park

This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.

📍 Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 53.7884, -9.7845. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Swimming — Safe
Surfing — No surf
Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
Lifeguard (summer) — Yes

Facilities

Toilets — Yes
Car park — Free
Disabled access — Yes
Lifeguard — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Shower, Café nearby

Facilities confirmed from Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland Source.

Water quality

Water quality information is sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland and is updated annually. During the bathing season real-time water quality updates are available at beaches.ie. Always check beaches.ie and local signage at the beach before swimming, particularly after heavy rainfall. IrishBeaches.ie accepts no liability for water quality conditions at the time of your visit.

EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.

Where to stay nearby

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Verified local listings for Mayo are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.